April 19, 2024

Project Blue Light to support law enforcement

By Jamee A

Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association President Nicole Lindstrom and Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess display a blue light bulb available for purchase as a part of the Project Blue Light fundraiser. CPAAA is selling the blue lights to get Newton to “Let Blue Lights Shine” in support and honor of local police officers during the week of May 8, National Police Week. (Jamee A)

Light up Newton blue — that is the goal of the first annual Project Blue Light fundraiser sponsored by the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.

The CPAAA is selling blue light bulbs as a way to support and honor local police officers. Citizens are asked to “Let Blue Lights Shine” the week of May 8 through the 15 in conjunction with National Police Week.

“I think it is easy to forget police officers are people who voluntarily put their lives at risk on a daily basis to protect our community, and those passing through it, and it is important for that community to show respect and support for what these officers do on a daily basis,” CPAAA president Nicole Lindstrom said. “It would be amazing if we could light up the town blue during National Police Week in a way of remembrance for officers lost and as a thank you for the protection our officers provide to the community. It’s a small way for us to give back in symbolism and monetarily.”

The light bulbs are $10 each and available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Newton Police Department, 101 W. Fourth St. S. Additionally, the CPAAA plans to sell the light bulbs at local businesses throughout April and May.

Along with the blue light bulb, supporters will also receive a free LED light bulb, provided by the Newton Hometown Rewards Program.

Funds raised through the sale of the bulbs will go toward updating the Police Memorial and to help fund the Shop with a Cop program.

“It’s kind of a neat thing for a community to show community-wide support for their law enforcement officers,” NPD Chief Rob Burdess said.

He also said it will be great to start gathering funds to grow the Police Memorial and make it have a more substantial presence at the department.

“This is our effort to improve that a little bit and make it more significant, given that we have had two officers killed in the line of duty in our community,” Burdess said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com